A group comprising NIA and central forces successfully apprehended three members of Pambei-led UNLF, including its army and intelligence chiefs, on Wednesday. They were swiftly airlifted to Delhi on the same day.
The individuals detained from the Koirengei area, Imphal East, around 8:30 am, reportedly include Chief of Army Thokchom Thoiba alias Sidabamapu of Mayang Imphal, Chief of Intelligence Laimayum Ingba of Bamon Leikai, and Sanakhomba of New Checkon, Imphal East, who was also the driver.
Later, at approximately 1:53 pm, they were transported to Delhi from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport via a dedicated flight of the Indian Air Force.
To forestall any untoward incidents, a significant deployment of central and state forces, equipped with Casspir vehicles and heavy arms, was stationed across various sectors of Imphal city.
Additionally, the Pambei-led UNLF recently inked a ceasefire agreement with both state and central authorities.
Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organizations, including FOCS, UMO, MWF, IPOM, MKNM, YEMKAL, WMO, and student groups, convened a press conference at DMU campus on Wednesday evening in response to the incident.
During this gathering, FOCS president Th Manihar expressed astonishment at the detention of UNLF leaders, questioning the central government’s hidden agenda. He pondered whether the government aims to eradicate Meitei insurgents under the guise of peace agreements.
Furthermore, he queried the legal basis for detaining individuals affiliated with a group that had already committed to peace agreements with both governments.
Demanding the unconditional release of the three detainees by 12 noon on Thursday, he cautioned of potential intensified agitation from the people of Manipur should the central government fail to comply.
Echoing these sentiments, Laishram Mema, general secretary of Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup (MKNM), urged CM Biren Singh to swiftly engage with the central government and advocate for the detainees’ unconditional release.
Should these demands remain unmet, she cautioned of escalated agitation, including the potential boycott of the Lok Sabha election.
